by Apurva
Bokaro: In a world where most chase success, one man in Bokaro Steel City chose selflessness over a secure future — and earned a place in the hearts of hundreds. Meet Raj Srivastava, a philanthropist, social worker, safety trainer, and singer — but most importantly, a symbol of unshakable compassion.
Known for his calm demeanor even in the toughest of situations, Srivastava’s dedication to serving the needy has set him apart. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, while most stayed indoors, he was out on the streets, delivering food, medicines, and hope — all at his own risk. In fact, he contracted the virus himself, but not once did he let it stop his mission.
Whether it’s offering jobs, arranging marriages, or providing safety training to daily wage workers, Raj’s helping hand is never far. His most remarkable act? Turning down a lucrative job offer — and recommending a financially struggling friend in his place. “He needed it more,” Raj said, with the simplicity that defines him.
A trained safety officer with degrees in Rural Development Management and Industrial Safety from Patna University, he now trains poor laborers free of cost and provides them with safety gear like shoes, ensuring they return home safe after a hard day’s work.
And when he’s not training or helping the poor, Raj dons another hat — that of a soulful singer. His stage performances are always free, offered as another expression of his love for the community.
Recently, the Bokaro Chitragupt Mahaparivar Samiti honored Raj Srivastava for his tireless service. At the ceremony, Dhanbad MLA Raj Sinha, the chief guest, called Raj’s journey “an inspiration for generations.” Committee patron Jaishankar Jaipuri Yaar echoed this sentiment, calling him “a ray of hope among Kayastha families” and a pillar of support in every moment of joy and sorrow.
Raj continues to serve through initiatives like distributing books, clothes, and drinking water, and personally caring for hospitalized elders — often unnoticed, but always impactful.
When asked how he balances so much, Raj simply credits his family: “They never stood in the way of my mission — they became a part of it.”
In a time when real-life heroes are rare, Bokaro is lucky to call Raj Srivastava its own.
